While Ryan Gosling was unable to attend “due to a family matter,” his co-star Emma Stone won Best Actress and seized the opportunity to make a political statement during her acceptance speech.

“In a time that’s so divisive, I think it’s so special we are able to come together to celebrate the positive gift of creativity,” she said.

Rounding out the acting categories were Casey Affleck, who won Best Actor for “Manchester By The Sea”, Viola Davis, who took home Best Supporting Actress for “Fences”, and in a surprise victory, Dev Patel scored Best Supporting Actor for “Lion”.

Calling the win “overwhelming,” the actor thanked his family and his “amazing team, who had the insane task of trying to get this Indian dude, this noodle with wonky teeth and a lazy eye and floppy hair work in this industry.”